CHPA praises Michigan legislature that would curb meth-related crimes

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association applauded the Michigan legislature, which seeks to address the state’s methamphetamine problem by targeting meth criminals. The Michigan House and Senate passed a package of bills authored by Sen. John Proos as well as Reps. Amanda Price, Bob Genetski, and Aric Nesbitt that will equip law enforcement officials with tools to crack down on meth-related crime.

The legislation includes a meth offender block list and a measure that will broaden the criminal penalty for "smurfing," where individuals purchase pseudoephedrine-containing medicines on behalf of a meth cook.

"Michigan lawmakers scored a major victory last week by passing this comprehensive package of anti-meth bills," said Carlos Gutierrez, senior director and head of state government affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. "Leaders like Senator Proos and Representatives Price, Genetski and Nesbitt should be commended for sponsoring balanced policies that target criminals without burdening responsible law-abiding consumers. Moreover, these programs are proven to work. Other states that have adopted similar policies — such as a statewide meth offender registry — have seen drastic reductions in meth lab incidents since their inception. Oklahoma for example, saw a more than 50% reduction in the number of meth lab incidents just a year after passing a similar measure."

Actavis confirms court ruling in generic patent suit

DUBLIN — Actavis confirmed that the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware found certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,335,031 and 6,316,023 valid and infringed by the company’s rivastigmine transdermal system, a generic version of Exelon Patch from Novartis.

Actavis said it is reviewing the court’s decision and weighing all available options, including an appeal.

Exelon Patch is used to treat patients with mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Actavis’ abbreviated new drug application for its generic version of Exelon Patch is pending with the Food and Drug Administration.

Novo Nordisk launches prefilled insulin device

PLAINSBORO, N.J. — Novo Nordisk on Thursday announced the launch of Levemir FlexTouch (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection), a prefilled insulin delivery mechanism providing a new way for diabetics to administer their insulin.

The device is the first and only prefilled insulin delivery system without a push-button extension, which helps to eliminate delivery challenges for the patient, according to the company.

"The features of FlexTouch were designed to help patients administer their insulin," said Michael Shannon, M.D., chair of endocrinology and diabetes clinical advancement at Providence Health and Services. “The reduced reach and low injection force button are both advancements in improving the insulin delivery experience.”

FlexTouch was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2013. The device also launched in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark and Japan.

Pulitzer Prize-winner Peggy Noonan, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and singer Diana Ross now feature on the schedule for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting, slated for April 21-24 in Palm Beach, Fla.

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